Podcast
AthChat
Hosted by Drew Abney and Russell Edwards · EN
A podcast for anyone who wants to join the conversation about what's going on in Athens, Georgia. Local and state politics, culture, and good living.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AthChat: Episode 30: Mayoral candidate, Sharon Miller, comes on the pod. We discuss Sharon’s background in ministry, community building, and her thoughts about Athens’ future.
Dec 1100:55:06Tap to summarizeOn the 30th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with mayoral candidate, Sharon Miller. We discuss Sharon’s background in ministry, community building, and her thoughts about Athens’ future.Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 29: County commissioner and mayoral candidate, Dexter Fisher, comes back on the pod. We discuss his campaign roll out, many of his policy ideas, and some of his more controversial votes
Nov 2001:43:54Tap to summarizeOn the 29th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with county commissioner and mayoral candidate, Dexter Fisher. We discuss his campaign roll out, many of his policy ideas, and some of his more controversial votes. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Debate Edition!: Candidates for Mayor of Athens-Clarke County joined Drew and Russell on stage at Ciné for a two-hour debate. The room was packed. The candidates shared their ideas. It was a great night in Athens.
Nov 901:54:18Tap to summarizeOn the 28th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the first Athens Mayoral Debate. The room was packed. The candidates shared their ideas. It was a great night in Athens. Topics included Housing Crisis and Solutions, Growth vs. Gentrification, Addressing Homelessness, Taxation and Public Services, Local Government and State Relations, Infrastructure and Project Delivery, Eminent Domain: A Double-Edged Sword, Intentional Use of Eminent Domain, The Importance of Sidewalks and Accessibility. See below for a timestamp of topics from the debate. You can also find a recording of our livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BQekh7jZV/ Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.Timestamps00:00: Introduction and Format of the Debate07:50: Candidates' Opening Statements17:58: Housing Crisis and Solutions27:52: Growth vs. Gentrification38:06: Addressing Homelessness47:10: Taxation and Public Services53:59: Local Government and State Relations01:03:14: Infrastructure and Project Delivery01:11:21: Eminent Domain: A Double-Edged Sword01:16:35: Intentional Use of Eminent Domain01:22:16: The Importance of Sidewalks and Accessibility01:30:16: Engaging in Candidate Questions01:47:30: Closing Statements and Future Visions
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 12: School board member and former commissioner, Tim Denson, joins the pod to announce his candidacy for Mayor of Athens.
Jun 2, 202501:02:45Tap to summarizeOn the 12th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards *were in a studio* with school board member and former commissioner, Tim Denson. Tim joined the pod to give an important announcement about his political future here in Athens: running for Mayor of Athens.*the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 11: Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee Chair, Shellby Branch, joins us on the pod
May 22, 202500:50:02Tap to summarizeOn the 11th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee Chair, Shellby Branch. Shellby talks about her new role as Chair of the local committee and how she is working to build a youthful coalition. We discuss the Democratic Party and how it is rebuilding…or trying to rebuild…or thinking about trying to rebuild. We also discuss many of the questions that folks on the Athens Subreddit asked. Edit: Mr. Brinkley (dog) enters the chat sporadically throughout the episode. Apologies. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 10: Commissioner Dexter Fisher joins us on the pod
May 16, 202500:55:29Tap to summarizeOn the tenth! episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a wonderful conversation with ACC District 5 Commissioner Dexter Fisher. Dexter talks about his life, leadership roles, and his vision for a growing Athens. We also discuss fundraising in local politics and we end by asking Dexter an important question about his political future in Athens-Clarke County. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 9: Georgia's 10th Congressional District Candidate Lexy Doherty
May 9, 202500:42:23Tap to summarizeIn the ninth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back with a special guest, Georgia's 10th Congressional District Candidate, Lexy Doherty. Lexy talks about her plans for a 2nd campaign to represent District 10, how her campaign is thinking about the 'youth' vote, her lack of interactions with incumbent Mike Collins, and where Athenians can get the best slice of pizza. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 8: Georgia State Representative Spencer Frye visits the pod
Apr 19, 202501:20:05Tap to summarizeIn the eighth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back with a special guest, Georgia State Representative (D-122) Spencer Frye. Before Rep. Frye joins the pod (starts at 33:55), Drew and Russell chat about some local politics updates and Mayor and Commission meetings procedures. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 7: The Saye building, Athens' subreddit and craft cocktails, advice for local folks running for office
Apr 13, 202500:52:51Tap to summarizeIn the seventh episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back to discuss the Saye building, the incredibly important Athens' subreddit discussion about craft cocktails, and the best advice for people considering running for local office. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →AthChat: Episode 6: AthChat heads to City Hall! A conversation with Mayor Kelly Girtz
Mar 14, 202500:44:21Tap to summarizeIn the sixth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards head to City Hall and have a conversation with Mayor Kelly Girtz. Topics included: Housing and development, road safety, the speed of local government, what Mayor Girtz thinks are positive attributes of being a commissioner and where he sees the Democratic party needing to go in the future. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
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